ADHD Evaluations for Children, Teens, and Adults
Understanding ADHD
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood and continues throughout life. While symptoms may shift as people grow older, ADHD doesn’t simply “go away.” When untreated, ADHD can affect school, work, relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being.
ADHD isn’t just something kids deal with—it often persists into adulthood. Research shows that about 50–60% of children with ADHD continue to experience symptoms as adults. For some, hyperactivity may fade over time, but challenges with focus, organization, and emotional regulation often remain.
The encouraging news is that ADHD responds well to treatment. With the right support, people of all ages can build skills to manage symptoms and lead more balanced, fulfilling lives.
If you’re considering an ADHD evaluation for yourself or your child in Hillsboro, Oregon, the team at Still Waters Counseling LLC provides compassionate, evidence-based assessments for children, teens, and adults.
Common Signs of ADHD
- Difficulty paying attention, staying on task, or following directions
- Forgetfulness and frequently losing track of belongings
- Struggles with organization and time management
- Procrastination and trouble completing projects or homework
- Restlessness, fidgeting, or feeling “on the go”
- Talking excessively or interrupting others
- Impulsivity and difficulty regulating emotions
- Mood swings, irritability, or frustration tolerance issues
- Anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem
- Strained relationships with peers, family, or coworkers
- Turning to unhealthy coping strategies, such as substance use
These challenges can affect school performance in children and teens, and work or relationships in adults. If these experiences sound familiar, know that you’re not alone. An ADHD evaluation in Hillsboro can be a gentle first step toward clarity and support.
What Causes ADHD?
For many years, ADHD was misunderstood, and myths suggested it was caused by poor parenting, too much sugar, or even brain injuries. Research has since disproven these ideas.
We now know that ADHD is primarily genetic and brain-based. People with ADHD show differences in how certain areas of the brain work—especially those related to attention, impulse control, and planning. Brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine also play a role, which helps explain why medication can be effective.
Because ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder, these brain-based differences are present from childhood into adulthood—even though the way symptoms appear may change over time.
How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can feel overwhelming—whether for a child, teen, or adult—but it’s an important step toward self-understanding and support. ADHD cannot be identified with a quick test; it requires a comprehensive evaluation.
At Still Waters Counseling LLC in Hillsboro, OR, our ADHD evaluations include:
- A detailed clinical interview exploring history, current challenges, and strengths
- Standardized questionnaires completed by parents, teachers (for children/teens), or self-reports (for adults)
- Cognitive testing to rule out intellectual disability and clarify learning strengths and weaknesses
- When helpful, input from parents, caregivers, teachers, or close supports
- A feedback session that provides clear results and recommendations in supportive, understandable language
The goal isn’t just to assign a label—it’s to provide clarity, validation, and a roadmap for effective treatment and accommodations.
ADHD Treatment in Hillsboro, Oregon
Once a clear diagnosis is made, the next step is creating a personalized plan for treatment. The good news: ADHD is highly treatable, and many people feel relief when they finally have a plan that works for them.
Treatment often includes:
- Therapy for ADHD: Counseling helps children, teens, and adults learn strategies to manage stress, improve organization, and regulate emotions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is especially effective.
- Skill-building support: Practical coaching around time management, productivity, routines, and social skills.
- Medication (when appropriate): Stimulant and non-stimulant options can help regulate brain chemistry and reduce core symptoms. Research shows medication often improves focus, attention, and impulse control.
- School or workplace accommodations: For students, this may include IEPs or 504 plans; for adults, workplace supports can improve performance and reduce stress.
The most effective approach often combines therapy, skill-building, accommodations, and (if helpful) medication. Many people who start ADHD treatment in Hillsboro report feeling more confident, more focused, and more hopeful about their future.
When to Seek Support
If ADHD symptoms are making life feel harder than it should be, you don’t have to push through alone. Getting an ADHD evaluation for children, teens, or adults can provide clarity, open doors to treatment, and help you access strategies that truly make a difference.
Contact Still Waters Counseling LLC in Hillsboro, Oregon today to schedule an ADHD evaluation and take the first step toward greater balance, confidence, and well-being for yourself or your child.
Sources:
- Faraone, S. V., Biederman, J., & Mick, E. (2006). The age-dependent decline of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A meta-analysis of follow-up studies. American Journal of Psychiatry, 163(9), 1556–1566.
- Shaw, P., Eckstrand, K., Sharp, W., Blumenthal, J., Lerch, J. P., Greenstein, D., … & Rapoport, J. L. (2007). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is characterized by a delay in cortical maturation. PNAS, 104(49), 19649–19654.
- Wilens, T. E., & Spencer, T. J. (2010). Understanding attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder from childhood to adulthood. Postgraduate Medicine, 122(5), 97–109.
- Mayo Clinic: Adult ADHD Symptoms & Causes
- WebMD: ADHD in Adults
